Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Aug 11: Stating that the system “lacks accountability,” Minister for Health, Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today said the Government is working to restore it to instil public confidence.
In an exclusive interview to Excelsior, Itoo said that after the formation of the Government in J&K, people are now speaking up, knowing that their complaints will be addressed.
This speaking up, she noted, shows their trust in the elected Government.
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“There are shortcomings in the system and a lot that needs to be set right. There are no traces of accountability, and restoring it is the responsibility of the Government. We are working to ensure this so that people feel confident,” she said.
She said working in a State and working in a Union Territory is different, acknowledging there are difficulties, but stressing that the Government is committed to delivering. “It is not the erstwhile State where orders issued were implemented in a jiffy; this is a UT and we are working within what is in our power. There are difficulties, but we are working. I know how to take decisions and implement them,” she said. When asked if they knew their powers in a Union Territory setup would be less than in a State, the Minister replied in the affirmative, stating that they had told people elections were being held in a UT but the fight for restoration would continue.
“We told people it is a UT and we will fight for Statehood. We are fighting for it – not begging – because it is our right, and the Home Minister has promised it. What we face now started with the implementation of GST in J&K,” she said.
On the issue of medical negligence reported from hospitals, she said the matter is not new and that wherever complaints were received, prompt action was ensured.
Regarding the recent incident at SMHS Hospital that raised questions over the conduct of doctors and highlighted the deteriorating doctor-patient relationship, Itoo said the relationship is key to strengthening the system.
“A strong doctor-patient relationship is what strengthens the system; but what the doctors did there after what happened – which itself should not have happened – was not acceptable. The relationship has to be maintained and the responsibility lies on both sides,” she added. On the transfer of doctors, the Minister said there were several who had been posted at one place for years, and the department had been asked to compile a list and shift them.
“Transfer is routine; but it’s true there have been doctors at one place for a long time. Wherever we have received complaints, I have directed the department to shift those who have been at one place for over five years.”
She added there are also doctors posted in far-off areas for over 10 years. “They also deserve to be shifted, and I have ensured these orders are implemented,” she further said. Regarding a recent transfer in which it was alleged that the seniority list was not followed, Itoo said: “I have come to know about it and I have asked them, if that’s the case, give us a representation and we will examine it.”
“We are working with honesty and transparency. We do not have any self-interests,” she stressed.
The Minister also noted there is more “criticism” than appreciation for the Government’s work.
“There is a shortage of consultants and it has not happened overnight; these issues have come to us as a legacy. We have been here for the last eight months. We do not have a magic wand to set things right overnight.”
Listing the works completed after the Government took charge, she said 509 doctors have been appointed and sent to far-off areas, along with consultants whose postings were pending despite clearance by the JKPSC.
“We have ensured cath labs with doctors to run them; we have ensured MRIs with doctors to operate them; SDHs with dialysis centres. There were oxygen plants but they were not functional – we made them functional. The shortages will be addressed with time.”
She also informed that the Government is in the process of introducing a bond policy for PG doctors studying in J&K to strengthen the healthcare system.
Regarding teachers, she said no teaching posts have been advertised in the last 10 years. “No new people have been brought in, and then we say there is a shortage – of course there would be,” she said.
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